More Summer

 Caleb went to scout camp at Camp Hunt in July.  He did not come home bubbling over with excitement, but he did have some fun.  He learned some lessons.  For example, sun screen is important, wearing your sandals all week will hurt after a while, and family is important.

 I think his favorite merit badges were probably canoeing and basketry.  He also enjoyed the polar plunge and he does love the outdoors.

 They got a chance to go practice some archery.

While Caleb was at camp (Rob went for a few days with him), the kids and I took a trip to the cabin.  We went on some fun explores and discovered some pretty places.  Found more foxes and enjoyed some time together.

 Back from camp and back to the cabin!  We took only a few days and went looking for signs of life.  We found these cool tracks, still not sure what they are.  We also found some more foxes, what we think is a sulphur spring near the lake and lots of geese.

 For another merit badge, make a plaster cast of a mammal track.

 Another merit badge, surface dive from a deep spot and bring up a brick.  Here you see Caleb's foot, going down again for another attempt.  It was hard.  He could not use the goggles because the water was too murky.  The wind had picked up and so he was getting cold.  And he kept losing the brick.  Then at one time he was under there for long time, I thought we would have success.  But he came up almost crying and very frustrated because the brick had become lodged in some mud and he could not get it out.  Bummer.  But he very firmly told me that he was not giving up and he was going to get it!

 A few minutes later, he came up VICTORIOUS!!!  He did it!  Brick in hand and another merit badge earned.

 He proudly brought that brick home and felt so good about his accomplishment.  Awesome summer times!  We came home so that we could go to pack meeting, where Caleb was awarded his Religious Knot for Scouts and Peter was awarded a few badges as well.  Scouts is good, no matter the work and struggles and nagging, scouts can help make good boys.

We think the world is glorious

And one of the most glorious is Scofield.  We took a trip this week and it was wonderful.  Not perfect, there was some bickering and "moming", but we found some great moments.

 This right here is the "sun yourself after getting out of the lake" move.  Peter is doing it well.

 Caleb is a pretty great kid.  Even though he does not want to, he does something for soccer each day. On this day, Haley joined Caleb for his jog up and down the road.  Pretty cool girl.

 One of the coolest times for Peter was when he and Caleb were able to witness a dragonfly molt.  They watched it crawl out of the shell thing and then we watched it until it flew off.  Very fun discovery.

 The kids had a lot of fun playing in the sand.  And even though it was slightly chilly, and Haley was bundled up, that did not stop her from getting in the lake to have some fun.

 Hard to see it, but there are two of our favorite birds in the same photo.  Pelican swimming in the lake, blue heron resting on our dock.  I love waking up to sights like this.

 Ever since seeing the dragonfly molt Peter was on dragonfly rescue mode.  Here he saw a dragonfly in the lake and helped it get to dry plants to survive.

 Playing on fun toys that the cabin neighbors leave anchored off.

 We went on an adventure drive and found the top of a mountain with a pretty view.

 And two buck deer crossing right by us.

 More sand play with a pretty sandcastle.

 And an awesome mud castle complete with walls and enemies and battles.

 And our first fawn of the year!!!!!  Oh happy day, what a fun sight that was to see.  They were adorable and so much fun to watch.

One last hike before heading home.  Beautiful times and memories.

Chapter: The Temple

What a week!  So many special and fun things have happened in just one week.  And he deserves everything good that has happened.  So, yesterday after receiving the priesthood he was able to have his temple recommend interview.  He proudly came home with his recommend and we made plans for a trip to the temple.  This morning, bright and early, Rob and Caleb went to the Jordan River Temple for Caleb's first time.  What a neat thing for him to do.  To experience the temple, all of the beauty and the special spirit and love that is there.  Caleb said the wait was long, but he was only in the water for a few minutes.  He said there were a lot of girls and only a few boys, so the temple staff was glad to have him.  Caleb said it was calm, peaceful and wonderful!  Such a neat experience for this awesome kid.

Chapter: The Priesthood

On Sunday Caleb was able to receive the priesthood.  Rob was able to ordain him to the office of a deacon.  Grandpa Gray, Grandpa Terry and Pa were able to stand in the circle along with members from our ward.  It was such a special and neat experience for all of us.  Caleb has prepared himself well and will be such a great young man.  It is hard to believe that he is growing and with it gaining these new experiences and responsibilities.  He really does have such a special heart and was blessed with a truly great spirit from Father in Heaven.  We are very blessed to have him in our family.

Chapter: Competition Soccer

 Look how great that kid looks in the new jersey.  We have been prepping for competition soccer for a few months.  But this past week was the first games we have had.  Caleb plays for Utah Glory.  It was the Glory Cup Tournament this week but since we do not have a full team yet we had to play up on a U14 team.  And since Caleb was not the only keeper on the U14 team they played him out not the field for the first game.

He did really well and held up pretty good against those older boys.

 The second day of tournament he was in as keeper. He made some great saves and played his hardest.  It was a good first experience in competition soccer.  Although we did not win, he had fun and we can only improve from here.  It is fun to cheer for this kid.

New and Important Chapters added to Caleb's Book: 12

Caleb is 12, HOLY COW!!!  It is amazing to think that he has grown so much and all that he has learned.  But here it is, 12 years have passed and he is an incredible boy!  So, how did we celebrate?

 Scofield of course!  We hit up the parade and although it is fun, it is a L  O  N  G wait for it to start.  The older kids passed the time by reading.  The younger kids got very impatient.

Caleb and William both successfully climbed the rock wall and rang the bell.  The we headed back to the lake....

 To swim and jump and play and have tons of fun.  Very good times!

 We also made a really cool discovery.  As we were driving along Peter noticed some birds up in the tops of the trees.  We turned around and found out it was a group of mystery birds (sandhill cranes) nesting in the tops of the trees.  So very cool!

 The actual day of Caleb's birthday came and it was great!  Robots and balloons, good food, family and friends.

 Something I cross stitched for Caleb, to help him remember some ways to stay worthy of the priesthood and the temple.

 Starting the day off right with bacon, and german pancakes with orange sauce and whip cream. yum

 We took a trip to Scheel's and rode the ferris wheel, twice.  Caleb also got a free ice cream cone.

At the end of the day we invited family and some friends over for a party.  Scales and Tails Utah came to the house and showed us all a bunch of snakes, lizards, spiders and tortoises.  It was very fun!  In this picture Caleb is holding a tarantula.  I think that was his favorite one to hold.
Caleb is an amazing boy!  Hard working, very intelligent, helpful, tender hearted, faithful, sweet to his family, very friendly, and creative!  He loves to read, sometimes too much. :)  He loves to build and create, always coming up with new ideas.  And he really does always try to do what is right.  We are so grateful for this awesome kid!